At least 12 people, including minors, were killed and 14 others injured when gunmen stormed a hostel in Gauteng province early on Saturday

The premier of South Africa's Gauteng province, Panyaza Lesufi, has vowed to step up operations against illegal taverns and tighten liquor law enforcement after a deadly shooting at an unlicensed bar in Saulsville Hostel, Atteridgeville, left 12 people dead.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, claiming the lives of 12 people, including three minors, and leaving 14 others injured. Police said 25 people were shot, with all survivors hospitalised.

"SAPS has launched a manhunt for three unknown suspects," SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said. She confirmed the deceased included three minors - boys aged three and 12, and a 16-year-old girl - with the remaining victims being adults.

The attack happened just after 4:15am, but police were only alerted around 6am. Mathe said at least three gunmen entered the hostel and began shooting randomly at patrons. Lesufi described the murders as "heartbreaking and unacceptable," and expressed his deepest condolences to the victims' families.

"We are distressed by the loss of innocent lives, including young children, in this senseless act of violence. Our hearts go out to the families who are grieving today," he said.

Lesufi emphasised that illegal liquor outlets often become magnets for criminal activity, posing serious risks to public safety. 

"Illegal shebeens must not be allowed to operate as safe havens for criminals. We strongly condemn the lawlessness that thrives in such spaces. Working with law enforcement, we will intensify operations targeting both legal and illegal alcohol establishments to ensure full compliance with the law."

He said law enforcement authorities, supported by specialised units, are pursuing leads to apprehend the suspects. Lesufi reiterated that the provincial government will not allow communities to live in fear.

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In a separate incident, Lesufi condemned the murder of Marius Van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, who was shot dead outside his home in Brakpan on Friday evening in front of his wife and children. Police said an AK-47 automatic rifle was used, and the suspects fled in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie.

Van der Merwe, 41, had testified last month about a 2022 incident implicating suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi and other law enforcement members in an alleged cover-up. He was not under witness protection.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa also condemned Van der Merwe's killing, describing it as a "heinous crime" and called for a thorough investigation. "We cannot allow this level of lawlessness, particularly in the security cluster, to continue," he said.

First published by IOL